Welcome to the Fire Information Blog for the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP).

Monday, August 7, 2017

Thunderstorms challenge Spruce Lake Fire suppression

Cooler temperatures are slowing the spread of the Spruce
Lake Fire, allowing firefighters to work more aggressively toward containment.

Sunday, the fire was estimated at 4,681 acres and 13 percent
contained. A public meeting is being planned later in the week to brief
residents and visitors. Additional details will be posted as they become
available.

The fire continues growing in a southeasterly direction
toward West Rim Road. Sunday, crews hiked 7 miles in to begin establishing fire
lines along the northern boundary of the fire.

Ground crews were not able to approach the south side of the
fire due to steep terrain and thick areas of standing dead or dying trees.
Helicopters continue to drop water in that area.

Expected thunderstorms in the area pose another challenge to
the suppression effort, as lightning can force crews to stop work on the
ground, accelerate the fire’s spread and cause new fire starts.

In Crater Lake National Park, a Level 1 Evacuation Notification
is in place for Rim Village and the Park headquarters area. This is the first
step in the “Ready, Set, Go!” system. A Level 1 notification means park visitors
and residents should be aware they could be asked to leave the area and get “Ready”
to do so. For more information about evacuation levels and procedures, go to http://tinyurl.com/EvacuationLevels

Air quality is predicted to be “Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups” in Crater Lake National Park today due to smoke. Smoke levels vary
widely from place to place around the park and at different times of day. To
view current air quality data from a smoke monitor located at park headquarters
go to:oregonsmoke.blogspot.com. To see the
current view of the Crater Lake from Rim Village go to: www.nps.gov/crla/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams

West Rim Drive and several trails are
closed until further notice for the safety of visitors and firefighters. Affected
trails are: the Pacific Crest Trail from the south park boundary to Highway 62,
and from the intersection of the Dutton Creek Trail north to the North Entrance
Road; Union Peak Trail; Stuart Falls Trail; Pumice Flat Trail; Boundary Springs
Trail; Bald Crater Loop Trail; Bert Creek Trail; Discovery Point Trail; Lightning
Springs Trail; and the Rim Trail, from Discovery Point to North Junction.

An area west of the fire on the Rogue River-Siskiyou
National Forest is also closed to reduce the exposure to risk for fire
personnel and the public. See: https://tinyurl.com/SpruceLakeFire

All Crater Lake National Park services and facilities are
open and welcome visitors.

Closures:West Rim Drive, sections of the Pacific Crest
Trail and several other trails are closed within Crater Lake National Park. An
area closure is in place on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Closures may
change as needed for public safety.Maps
are available on Inciweb.

A Level 1
Evacuation Notification is in effect for the Rim Village and Park Headquarters.